Metz

Academic conferences tend to be held in rather pleasant places. Unfortunately, I don't often have the time to appreciate what the city has to offer; with my days being spent either in conference sessions or back at the hotel trying to catch up on some work. Last week I was in Metz for the International Congress on Ultrasonics and resolved, before going, to spend at least some time exploring the city. Rather predictably, however, other things got in the way including a very interesting and busy conference schedule (which is not necessarily a bad thing), a huge thunderstorm one evening, as well as other work related things; this meant my exploration was limited to a few hours one afternoon.

The exterior of Metz Cathedral from the South-East, showing the bell tower, side chaples, and the portal of the Virgin.

I spent my handful of hours wondering around the streets of Metz, which to all appearances is a typical continential European town. Sadly, the only camera I had with me was my iPhone; nevertheless, I manged to capture some nice shots of Saint-Étienne de Metz (Metz Cathedral). The Cathedral has the largest expanse of stained glass in the world (almost 6,500 m^2 of it!) and although it doesn't look like much from the outside, the effect from inside is impressive indeed.

A view of the altar

A panoramic view of the windows surrounding the altar, as well as the central passage.

Also, quite interestingly, the naive is over 40m high which puts it among the tallest in the word.

Stood in front of the alter, looking back down the central passageway.

The congress itself was held at Arsenal de Metz, a renowned concert hall, and a rather appropriate venue for a conference on Ultrasonics!

The front elevation of Arsenal.

The "Sentinaile", by Antoine Poncet

Sadly, I didn't have much time to take shots of the city itself, but certainly wouldn't mind returning for a day trip if I happen to be in the area again!